India's leading low-cost carrier, IndiGo, is grappling with severe operational disruptions that have led to the cancellation of at least 150 flights and significant delays in numerous others. The chaos, which spilled over into a second day, has left thousands of passengers stranded and frustrated at major airports across the country.
Widespread Chaos Across Major Hubs
The impact of the disruption has been felt acutely in key metropolitan centers. Major cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad have reported scenes of confusion and long waits. Several videos circulating on social media platforms show large groups of passengers waiting for hours, with many claiming they received no prior intimation about the changes to their travel schedules. The lack of communication has compounded the anxiety and inconvenience for fliers.
How to Check Your IndiGo Flight Status
For passengers navigating the uncertainty, here is a clear guide to check the real-time status of IndiGo flights using the airline's official channels.
Using the Official Website
Navigate to the IndiGo website at goIndiGo.in. Locate and click on the "Flight Status" tab at the top of the homepage. You can then search for your flight using one of two methods:
- By Flight Number: Enter your 6-character IndiGo code (starting with 6E) and select your date of travel.
- By Route: Select your departure city, arrival city, and the travel date.
After entering the details, click "SEARCH." The results page will display all critical information, including scheduled versus revised timings, terminal details, and the current flight status. Delays are typically highlighted in red for easy identification.
Using the Mobile App (Recommended)
For a more user-friendly experience, passengers can use the IndiGo mobile app. After downloading and opening the app, tap on the "Flight Status" option in the bottom menu. Enter your flight details as you would on the website. The app's interface, with larger buttons and clear notifications, is often easier to use for quick updates on the go.
Causes and Regulatory Scrutiny
The airline has cited a confluence of factors behind the massive disruption. Technology glitches and a shortage of available crew are primary reasons, with the latter linked to recent updates in regulatory requirements concerning flight crew rostering. These issues have created a perfect storm, crippling operations.
In response to the crisis, the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has stepped in. It has initiated a probe into IndiGo's operations, demanding a detailed explanation for the failures and a concrete action plan to normalize services and prevent such widespread inconvenience in the future. The outcome of this investigation is awaited as passengers hope for a swift resolution.
